egoelden
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1965 Shasta Compact
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Post by egoelden on May 28, 2020 6:21:17 GMT -8
Beginning the remodel of a 65' Shasta Compact and we do not have the original icebox or fridge. What would have been used in here and which is better to put in now?
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on May 28, 2020 7:07:58 GMT -8
In 1965, both were available. You can tell which your trailer had just by looking on the skin outside where the cooler would have been. If it was a fridge, there will be a large oblong vent, if an icebox, the vent won’t be there. An appropriate and properly installed fridge needs to have either an outside vent or vent out the bottom front. The bottom front vent might work great in the winter when you’re trying to keep the trailer warm, but in such a small space, it must be a killer in the summer.
As to which is “better, that’s completely up to you. We have room in our icebox for two blocks of ice on top, two quarts of milk, condiments, meat, veggies and cheese inside. We always freeze the meat and one of the quarts of milk before we go to mkae the ice last longer. We replace one block of ice every two to three days depending on the weather. Using the icebox works for us, but if you mostly store cold drinks, it might not work as well. The one downside of the icebox is that as soon as you open the door, the cold leaves very quickly. It’s important not only to know exactly what you have inside, but WHERE inside it is to keep the “door open” rime to a minimum.
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Post by vikx on Jun 3, 2020 21:17:24 GMT -8
I say go with a dorm fridge. They still need a little ventilation but don't put out much heat. Take a cooler/ice along for cold drinks and it can be used for food if off grid. If you'll be off grid all the time, look into a AC/DC fridge. Elec/Propane fridges work great but are very spendy ($600++) and also need to be vented bottom and top.
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mel
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1964 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by mel on Jun 5, 2020 14:19:11 GMT -8
I love my mini fridge
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turbodaddy
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17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
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Post by turbodaddy on Jun 5, 2020 16:04:33 GMT -8
Another option, build the icebox like on a boat. The door is on the top so the cold can't escape when you go digging around for stuff.
Since we prefer camping off grid in more isolated places, I wouldn't give up our Propane/ electric Norcold for anything. We use the tiny freezer to freeze juice containers to use as ice blocks in a large cooler as vikx mentioned. We can go for weeks on propane, I never bothered to hook up the 12v because it can drain your batteries incredibly fast. Propane when boondocking, 110AC when in a campground.
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Post by bigbill on Jun 5, 2020 18:05:25 GMT -8
Which came first the chicken or the egg. As you can tell from the answers above there are many options. For you to be happy you must answer these questions honestly to the best of your knowledge.
1. How will you be using your camper, long trips where you will be on the road a lot or an hour or two to your favorite camping spot.
2. Will you mostly be staying where you have a 110 volt shore line, or in a primitive area with no electricity.
3. What is the availability of ice where you plan to stay.
4. How important is a built in unit or would a premium ice chest meet your needs.
5. Last but not least how much money are you ready to invest at this time.
Everyone uses their camper different plus different life styles. Once you know your intended use then you are prepared to make a proper decision. Remember be honest with yourself plus if you have a partner in this project make sure they agree with your plan. Also no small unit will work like your one at home. They cool slower and when you open the door the cold falls out. Have fun completing and building memories that will last a life time.
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turbodaddy
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17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
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Post by turbodaddy on Jun 5, 2020 18:56:08 GMT -8
As bigbill said, "Remember be honest with yourself, plus if you have a partner in this project make sure they agree with your plan." This is really good advice if you have any doubts about living for even a short time in a travel trailer, camper or other very small space. Before committing to what can become a much larger project than anticipated, it might be wise to rent an RV of some sort and spend a week or so living in it. Just to be sure it'll turn out OK.
There are definitely unexpected challenges with regard to living in such close quarters. "Stuff" is the enemy. If you can't find a place for it to belong, it can make a small space so cluttered that it will make anyone crazy. Prior to our first cross country trip we each took what we considered our minimal personal necessities outside, next to the camper in the driveway. We then tried to find a place inside for everything. Then we made note of the weight and distribution of all that "stuff". It didn't take long to realize we had way too much. So we pared it down some.
In retrospect I realized that we still had a truck bed full of things we never even used. The old adages, "Less is more" along with "A place for everything and everything in its place" are so appropriate. Our last 3 week trip (3 people in a 14' box) was as good as it gets in large part because we all learned to manage the clutter. When finished doing something put it away, in the morning make up bedding, wash and dry dishes and put them away.
This is not going to work for everybody for sure!
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Jun 6, 2020 6:22:46 GMT -8
In retrospect I realized that we still had a truck bed full of things we never even used. The old adages, "Less is more" along with "A place for everything and everything in its place" are so appropriate. Our last 3 week trip (3 people in a 14' box) was as good as it gets in large part because we all learned to manage the clutter. When finished doing something put it away, in the morning make up bedding, wash and dry dishes and put them away. This is not going to work for everybody for sure! You’d have made a great bacpacker, turbodaddy! |
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krice530
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Hi There, I am restoring a 1970, 13' Seista Trailer, ? on Refigerator/Ice box? AC/Gas?
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Post by krice530 on Sept 17, 2020 16:47:21 GMT -8
So if I opt for a 110/dc frige, do I need a inverter? Won't be off grid too much but would like the option. Concerned about running propane gas and installation.
Anyone, have a "SMAD" small refrigerator? I think these are ones people are putting in Sprinter vans etc... Not great reviews on line...
I took out the ice box, came out easily, surrounded with styrofoam! Do not think a Conversion kit would work...
At this point I'm thinking of getting a good electric cooler and puting my Ice Box back in as I have a trip in 3 weeks!
Thanks for any advice...
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